Polish Hill River secrets: The Clare Valley in the Mid North region of South Australia

It's no secret the Clare Valley district is one of the most picturesque parts of South Australia. Its rolling valleys are covered with a patch-work of vines, beautiful native woodland and peaceful grazing land.

It's historic towns have been carefully preserved, and it's wineries are known world-wide - particularly for their crisp clean whites - the most famous even gives it's name to the local bike track - the Riesling Trail!

But there are a few lesser-known secrets hidden among the intimate valleys. Like a possible link with one of Australia's most notorious BushRangers - Ned Kelly. Folk law has it that Ned Kelly spent time in a stone hut in the Polish River Valley area when he went missing from Victoria for 16 months.

That was in 1879 when Kelly, with an 8-thousand-pound reward on his head went into hiding. No one knows exactly where he hid out but like the stone walls of the old stone ruin known locally as “Ned’s Hut”; the theory that it was here has stood the test of time.

Many locals are convinced the story is true. Martin Smith and Hamish Gosse are among them. In fact, the ruins of Ned's hut are on Hamish's property.

“Ned Kelly actually came to this spot, no doubt about it. He’s fairly well protected here from the constabulary. He still would be - I am!” laughed Hamish as he showed us the ruins.

While the locals ponder Kelly's fate - the Glenrowan shootout and Kelly’s eventual hanging, we'll probably never know if the ruins known as Ned's Hut really did offer him protection from the authorities or not.

But elsewhere in Polish Hill River, there's plenty of proof the area was home to others seeking shelter - not from the law, but from religious persecution overseas.

The former Catholic Church at Polish Hill River is now a delightful museum dedicated to the Polish migrants who began arriving in the young colony in 1850s.

Father Bill Modystack is a direct descendant of the original Polish settlers, so for him, the museum is very important.

“They left Poland in May in migration from Hamburg and arrived in Adelaide on the 17th of August, 1856. And a corner near here is where my great grandfather bought his original property,” Father Bill said.

“This is the most important Polish heritage site in Australia and is recognised as such by the Ambassador and Consul-General.”

The museum documents the hardships and triumphs of the Polish community that grew to 300 as they struggled to build a new life in a country on the other side of the world.

“There's so many things here from the early settlers. The marvelous ingenuity of those people is on display too. Like a wonderful 2 slot kitchen sink made of honey tins - it probably didn't have a hole in the bottom so you probably took the whole thing outside to tip it out.”

The migrant’s Catholic faith shows through too - the chapel has been restored and a number of religious artifacts are on display like a prayer book dating back to 1851.

For Father Bill, a visit to Polish Hill River brings back fond memories of his childhood.

“It's coming home. You see so much. I can still see the slaughtered lamb hanging from the big pepper tree next door in its calico bag while it drained.”

The Polish Hill River Church Museum is open on the first Sunday of each month or by appointment.

After you've done that, why not stay a night or two at the nearby Riesling Country Cottages. You'll get great views of the Polish Hill River Valley and while you won't see Ned Kelly roaming the hills - you might see some other odd sights. Wandering among the sheep is a couple of Maremma dogs. They protect the flock from foxes and other predators 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Just another of the many lesser-known secrets of the Clare Valley. In you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

The Riesling Country Cottages are on Quarry Road, Clare. For bookings call 0412 265 031.

The Polish Hill River Church Museum is off main North Road 3 kilometres north of Penwortham. It's open from 11am to 4pm on the first Sunday of each month or by appointment.

Polish Hill River Church Museum
Open 11am-4pm
1st Sunday of month.

Why not visit Pikes Wines - Polish Hill River Estate while you are in this great region.